How to Use Fabric Resource Books for a Handbag Business

Once you have a handbag design prepared, you need to start thinking about how you will produce it. After all, your handbag company needs to make some sales to get off the ground, and you can only sell completed handbags, not just ideas. Start planning the production of your designs by using a fabric resource book.

Instructions

1. Pick a good fabric resource book. Basically, a fabric resource book is just a textbook for textile and fashion designers. You can buy them online or through the garment district nearest you. Wherever you get your fabric resource book, remember this: Your handbag company may rely on this book. So don't choose one based on price alone. Leaf through it and make sure there is plenty of information to help you with choosing materials and beginning production.

2. Start planning your handbag production by looking up information about the fabric you may want to use in your handbag design. A good fabric resource book will contain information about every kind of fabric and leather available. It should also give you tips on how to sew your fabric to avoid tearing.

3. Choose a fabric and lining for your handbag. Remember you will want something sturdy enough to be functional, but interesting enough to make someone want to purchase it. Remember, your company needs to produce handbags that satisfy all your customer's desires. Think about whether the fabric you've chosen will do that.

4. Look up trims in your fabric resource book. Trims may include leather accents or buttons or zippers. There should be information about many different types in your fabric resource book and there should also be clues on how to best attach these trims to your fabric.

5. Read about production. Production is simply the art of putting the handbag together. A good fabric resource book will tell you how to handle each of the different fabrics it lists. Understand the production limitations of each fabric before you try to use it to produce handbags for your company.